Phila to NYC (Trenton?) Septa/NJ Transit ?s

Old Dec 26th, 2016, 12:35 PM
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Phila to NYC (Trenton?) Septa/NJ Transit ?s

Hi,

I'm stopping in Philadelphia on my way via Amtrak from DC to NY and was thinking of trying the SEPTA to Trenton, NJ Transit to NYC option.

These are my questions:

1. It looks like if you have an Amtrak ticket, you can still take SEPTA in from 30th Street Station to one of the Center City stations like Market Street East or Suburban Station for no extra cost. Am I correct about this? (I don't think this works in the reverse.)

2. For the SEPTA & NJ Transit option what does one usually do with one's luggage? Are there overhead racks or is it a put luggage between your legs type deal? Is one usually able to get a seat even? I remember on the MARC Trains I used to take from Baltimore to DC I'd always get a seat and, there would even be a restroom; are there restrooms on either the SEPTA or the NJ Transit?

3. Would you get out and explore Trenton between the SEPTA and NJ Transit train (assuming it's a nice day) the area nearby the train station? I've never been before and can't imagine another reason would bring me. I imagine the city has some historic architecture (which I enjoy), probably some good restaurants being the capital and whatnot-- the Capitol building doesn't seem to be too far of a walk. Any favorite places to eat near Trenton's station if so?

Thank you for reading and happy holidays! Daniel
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Old Dec 26th, 2016, 12:58 PM
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I haven't done this in awhile, but you can take SEPTA from 30th Street Station to Trenton and then NJ Transit to Penn Station NY. You can buy a combo ticket at the 30th Street Station.

don't remember if SEPTA has restrooms on the train. its a fairly short ride to Trenton

NJ Transit has rest rooms on the trains, and both trains have some overhead racks or you can place you bag on the floor.. some seating areas have more room than others. I always got a seat.

Trenton station is fairly small, and at the most you have to take an escalator up and then down to the other track to NY. I have never explored Trenton from the station. Not sure if there is any luggage check. and depending on your train it could be a pretty short time between getting off SEPTA and onto NJ Transit.
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Old Dec 26th, 2016, 01:59 PM
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Thank you for your helpful response, Maxima. Might be interesting to try this option! Cheers Daniel
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Old Dec 27th, 2016, 04:08 AM
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Compared to some of your trips, Daniel, (notably St Augustine) this would be a doddle.

I might have a cable lock to secure my luggage if I were to leave it to go to the toilet.

Assuming you are traveling for the journey and traveling lightly, you might take the short branch line from Princeton Junction to Princeton and have a walk around the university.
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Old Dec 27th, 2016, 06:15 AM
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Haha Ackislander!

You've got a good memory--indeed I have done some (what some friends and family think of as crazy) adventures by public transportation only. You're I'm sure right that this is much easier than switching from St. Augustine's 4-a-day Purple Line bus to meet up with the Jacksonville Transit Authority Avenues Mall bus to get from Historic St. Augustine to downtown Jacksonville. Mind you, St. Augustine was a piece of cake compared to other journeys (e.g., dealing with the teachers' union-blockaded highway in Chiapas on my way to Antigua Guatemala this summer and consequently having to spend the night in the Arriaga, Chiapas bus station).

Thanks for the suggestion about Princeton Junction. Great to hear from you!

You've had experience with Trenton itself?

Wishing you a very happy New Year! Daniel
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Old Dec 27th, 2016, 01:10 PM
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Princeton is a beautiful town as is the university area.
. I would be careful of my surroundings in Trenton, take a taxi wherever you want to go.
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Old Dec 28th, 2016, 05:44 AM
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I wouldn't really recommend Trenton as much of a sightseeing town. Try Princeton instead! Lots of good restaurants and pleasant sights (great historic buildings too!)
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Old Dec 28th, 2016, 07:09 AM
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We are renting a car in Erie from Enterprise and earning 50 AGR points per day.
I also earn points on many online purchases by going through the AGR website to get to the shopping sites.
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Old Dec 28th, 2016, 01:21 PM
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I am from the Trenton area and wouldn't recommend expoloring from there as its not a very great neighborhood. It's not a place to hang out and have a nice bite to eat. I think you would be very disappointed. Friends of mine call it scarey to put it nicely. I only go there when needing to take Amtrak and have someone drop me off right at the door otherwise, I take the Hamilton station when going to NYC which is NJ transit. The Princeton area is much better.
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Old Dec 29th, 2016, 03:44 PM
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Thank you all for your input. It's looking pretty unanimous that I should forgo Trenton.
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Old Dec 29th, 2016, 04:02 PM
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I will join the chorus of those advising you against going to Trenton. I must admit though, that I thought if anyone could pull something worthwhile out of it, it would be you.

I went once, to be admitted to the NJ Bar, but haven't returned.
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Old Dec 29th, 2016, 06:49 PM
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I often feel bad when people want to explore Trenton. Being from the area, I've only been to the Trent house on a school trip and the planetarium. A friend went to the Old Barracks before moving away. She was the only person on the tour and it was springtime on a Saturday. So there are small little things to do but not worthwhile to leave the train station to go and do unless someone were to drive you. I am happy to just pass by it when driving. You can't take a good picture of the Trenton Makes Bridge unless you are on a boat. I'm still trying to find a spot on land that gives a good view of it. The Captial does look pretty across the river as the sun sets.
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 12:58 PM
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Thanks Fra_Diavolo and sassy27 for your take on things. I know Fra that we've appreciated many places in common a bit off the usual heavily visited corridors, so I really appreciate your weighing in. Sassy--Thanks for your local's perspective. You got me reading about the Old Barracks; I almost feel like going just to encourage such a place--apparently, the only building of its kind remaining from the French & Indian War!

Best wishes to you both for a happy new year. Daniel
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Old Jan 3rd, 2017, 09:57 PM
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I grew up in Mercerville, a suburb of Trenton. Don't know when you plan to travel through but not much to see in Trenton and there are many unsafe areas thT you won't want to travel through.

Maybe see the Old Barracks and the Planetarium if your schedule and opening times permit.

Or, there is The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton about 10 minutes from the train station. It also has a good restaurant. Take a cab and get his number to pick you up for the return trip.

Depending on the time of year, you could take in a Trenton Thunders game. Or a concert at the War Memorial building.
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Old Jan 5th, 2017, 01:10 PM
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Hi,

So, I opted to take SEPTA from Jefferson station downtown Philadelphia to Trenton, spent the afternoon in Trenton and am now on NJ Transit to NYC (total cost $25.75; I'll have to see how much savings that was relative to Amtrak). There are indeed no restrooms on SEPTA but there was a rack to put luggage. There is also a rack on NJ Transit but it's very shallow, so my luggage doesn't fit. Luckily the train is not too full that I've just put the luggage next to me. One nice thing is that unlike with Amtrak, one can leave from Center City locations other than 30th Street station (as it turns out, Jefferson station was less than 10-minute walk from my hotel in Philly).

I'm glad you all warned me against Trenton so I expected worse. Walked up Clinton Street from Trenton train station and down State Street to the Capitol and Old Barracks; felt pretty comfortable (mind you, I lived in Baltimore City, so I'm more at ease than some in urban contexts); you folks made it sound like I would be walking into an episode of the Wire , so I was actually pleasantly surprised. There certainly are some closed businesses with those wide iron doors, but there's also a number of streets which I dare say have a bit of charm with historic architecture and red brick streets. Ate lunch at Jamaican restaurant Hummingbird, which served up a flavourful jerk chicken. The tours of the Old Barracks and State Capitol (which has a beautiful rotunda!) were definitely worthwhile, even if I was the only one touring the Old Barracks. I learned a lot about Trenton's role in Revolutionary War history at the Old Barracks, as well as its role as hospital, quartering house for British and later Continental Army.

My conclusion is I will playfully disagree and say that Trenton can offer a pleasant afternoon (perhaps not for everyone but I can truly say I enjoyed my day), with appropriate expectations.

Best wishes, Daniel
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Old Jan 5th, 2017, 04:09 PM
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Thank you for reporting back. I'm a Jerseyite and have never visited the Old Barracks nor the Capitol. Although I have been to Trenton for Court business a number of times.
I agree that it isn't as scary as many have found it.
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Old Jan 5th, 2017, 07:25 PM
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Thank you for coming back to give us your review. It's nice to hear someone else's opinion of Trenton. I'm glad you enjoyed your time and found its not all bad. The area around the Capital, War Memorial, Old Barracks, courts and Trent house can be ok. There are other areas that aren't recommended. I just honestly have to say that as I speak from years of experience as I worked blocks from the area both at night and day and also still live close by. Alot also depends on what you are used to. I live here so not totally dissing it .
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Old Jan 5th, 2017, 08:19 PM
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Glad to hear that you had a nice time in Trenton. I am guessing that you found a place to store your luggage at the station and didn't have to take it along while you went to lunch and other places.

Amtrak is generally a lot more expensive, even if you were to book way in advance. I always thought the Septa/NJ Transit ticket was a bargain. and now that you can get a combo ticket rather than buying on the platform in Trenton at those awful machines that never had the right change or took so long you could miss a train or ran out of tickets, forcing you to pay extra on board, its just so much easier.
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Old Jan 6th, 2017, 06:40 AM
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susieqq--I would recommend a visit to both one day. As a souvenir leaving the State House and only noticed later I was given a pencil that says Governor Chris Christie, The State of New Jersey. Given my political bent, it's actually sort of funny that I have this pencil in my possession.
maxima--Thanks again for your advice! I actually wheeled my suitcase around with me--didn't even bother asking about storage, although I should have. They kept my suitcase behind the reception at the Old Barracks. I put my luggage through the X-Ray and had to wheel it behind me as I visited the General Assembly, Senate and Governor's Offices.
sassy27--I appreciated all your thoughts prior, as well as those of others who were attempting to dissuade me & having seen what was there, I understand why you and others said what you did (I also consider that my visit was during lunchtime and afternoon). This said, I do believe Trenton has some sites American history- & colonial architecture-lovers would appreciate.

I considered Princeton as you, Zack, ackislander, and HappyTravlr had suggested but that seemed more complicated in terms of timing, having to get on and off NJ Transit and then get back on plus, Trenton was easier given that SEPTA did combo tickets Philadelphia-Trenton-NYC. One day, I would like to visit Princeton. Thanks so much again!
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Old Jan 6th, 2017, 08:10 AM
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Great report - thanks!
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